Emmanuel with long-term volunteers. © Skokholm Wardens
Emmanuel's Skokholm Experience
Skokholm Bird Observatory was delighted to host Emmanuel Jatta, a Research Assistant from Kartong Bird Observatory in The Gambia, for five weeks this spring.
As part of the development between Kartong and Skokholm, The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) was delighted that Skokholm was able to host and support a visit from Emmanuel as a volunteer.
Emmanuel is a qualified British Trust for Ornithology C ringer. During his time on Skokholm, he was introduced to the work of the Bird Observatory and island procedures in the monitoring, ringing and study of resident and migrating birds. He learnt new skills to take back and share with others in The Gambia.
Emmanuel handling Chiffchaff and his first Redwings. © Skokholm Wardens
Emmanuel arrived on April 1st 2024 for the two week spring work party. Thanks to the cooks and other members of The Friends of Skokholm and Skomer (TFOSAS) who helped to make the start of his visit welcoming and comfortable.
Emmanuel with island staff, volunteers and visitors. © Skokholm Island
Everything I did on Skokholm was wonderful, the people, all the things I did and the birds were all excellent. My stay was splendid, I miss it all, especially the ringing, the counting and my job every evening to read colour rings on the gulls. I have many great memories and ideas to take home - would love to come back.
As the finder of a new bird for Skokholm, a Squacco Heron, Emmnauel had the job of painting it on the toilet wall. © Skokholm Wardens
His stay was documented in several posts on Skokholm Island's blog. In the words of the wardens, “Although the pleasant birding did its best to distract us, there was no hiding that today was a sad day, the departure of Emmanuel on the morning changeover boat leaving a very large hole in the Skokholm team. Emmanuel, here on loan from Kartong Bird Observatory in the Gambia, has spent the last five weeks immersed in Skokholm life; regular readers will know he has done everything from finding rare birds to repairing leaking dams, from building Wheatear nest boxes to ringing hundreds of Blackcaps. We cannot thank Emmanuel enough for his constant smile, hard work and great friendship.“
Emmanuel has now left to be involved in other conservation projects around the UK.
Thank you to all who have made Emmanuel’s visit such a success, WTSWW, TFOSAS particularly Shirley, Richard and Giselle and other island staff, volunteers and guests. We hope that this might pave the way for future exchanges.